Blog · PROTECTIVE COVER: Add life to your roof

The following article was published by the daily nation on Thursday 24th August 2017.

It talks about our Grey Liquid Rubber Waterproofing Membrane. In case you missed it, read about it here.

The roofing of a house, or any building, is a major factor in determining its quality. This is because apart from protecting the inhabitants of a house or users of a building, the roof plays a major in regulating temperature. One of the main problems that affect a number of buildings is leaking roofs during the wet season which, if not repaired in good time, could lead to damage of property in the house or building.

Fortunately, there is a remedy for leaking roofsin the form of applied liquid roofing membrane, an acrylic emulsion that is applied either using a brush or sprayed onto new or existing layers, and which dries into a tough, elastic film that protects the roof from leakage.

“The liquid membrane can be applied on sloping or flat roofs made of different materials such as aluminum, clay, corrugated iron, timber and glass, among others,” offers Ms Alice Muthoni, the technical manager at Mau West Waterproofing Solutions.

WATERPROOF PROTECTION

Applying the membrane is a simple process that you can do yourself. All it takes are four simple steps.

“The first step is to ensure that the roof surface is clean and clear of any dirt or dust particles,” says Ms Muthoni. After that, a coating of specific primer is applied and left to dry. This usually takes about 30 minutes on a sunny day. Once the primer is dry, synthetic netting, which serves as reinforcement, is laid out on the roof, followed by the liquid rubber membrane, which is applied using a paintbrush.”

She adds that a second coat is applied once the first coat is dry.

For large commercial buildings, you might have to contract a professional to do the job.

Before the membrane is applied, it is important to carry out a preliminary survey which involves taking measurements of the roof and analysing its condition.

“This analysis is important because it helps determine the quantity of membrane to be used, as well as the type of primer,” explains Ms Muthoni.

She adds that, since the membrane is water-based, it should not be applied in rainy weather because it will simply be washed away; the ideal weather in which to apply it is hot and windy. The membrane has several advantages and is a convenient option for both homes and commercial buildings.

“The greatest advantage of this type of protection is the fact that it is waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about leaking roofs,” says Ms Muthoni. “It is also a very durable.”

Other advantages include its malleability, which allows it to take the shapes of the different roof designs and the fact that it expands and contracts without getting damaged.

So if you have a leaking roof, this liquid membrane might just be what you need.

However, Mr Muthoni points out: “The basic problems on the roof must first be rectified, such as fixing points where water stagnates, sealing any cracks or expansion joints and fixing plaster that is peeling off.

After doing that, you can use the four simple steps to apply the membrane and if you do it right, you can say good bye to leaking roofs,” says Ms Muthoni.